Five Texans to watch vs. the Falcons

August 16, 2014

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

5of6

Nose tackle Louis Nix III

He returned to practice this week for the first time since OTAs and could make his debut tonight. Nix had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery before training camp. Because it wasn’t a serious operation, the Texans weren’t in the market for a veteran. They expect him to compete for a starting job. They traded into the third round to get Nix (6-2, 331), who has the ideal build for a 3-4 nose tackle who’s supposed to tie up two blockers. That position requires quickness, leverage, strength and willpower. If Nix stays healthy and keeps his weight under control, he can be an ideal fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme.

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

5of6

Nose tackle Louis Nix III

He returned to practice this week for the first time since OTAs and could make his debut tonight. Nix had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery before training camp. Because it wasn’t a serious operation, the Texans weren’t in the market for a veteran. They expect him to compete for a starting job. They traded into the third round to get Nix (6-2, 331), who has the ideal build for a 3-4 nose tackle who’s supposed to tie up two blockers. That position requires quickness, leverage, strength and willpower. If Nix stays healthy and keeps his weight under control, he can be an ideal fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme.